Shillong Lajong Edge Sreenidi Deccan 2-1 to Move Temporarily Top of Indian Football League

Shillong Lajong FC produced a spirited second-half performance to secure a crucial 2-1 victory over Sreenidi Deccan FC in Match 11 of the Star Cement Indian Football League 2026-27 season at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on Friday.

Goals from Joedson dos Santos and substitute Tremiki Lamurong helped the home side claim all three points after Sreenidi Deccan had briefly drawn level through Nicolas Morinigo. The result lifted Shillong Lajong temporarily to the top of the standings with seven points from three matches, while Sreenidi Deccan remained fourth with four points from an equal number of games.

Joedson dos Santos was named Player of the Match for his influential contribution, including the opening goal that gave Lajong the breakthrough.

Playing in front of their home supporters, Shillong Lajong began aggressively and established control in midfield through Lamlallian Valphei, Gladdy Nelcen Kharbuli, Damaitphang Lyngdoh and Abelson Jachi.

Their crisp passing and ability to move the ball quickly created problems for Sreenidi Deccan, although the visitors initially managed to keep the hosts away from clear-cut scoring opportunities.

The first significant chance arrived in the 10th minute when Everbrightson Sana unleashed a powerful effort from the edge of the penalty area following an impressive passing move. However, Sreenidi Deccan goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh reacted brilliantly, producing a fingertip save to deny the Shillong forward.

At the other end, Adriano Castanheira was instrumental in organising Sreenidi Deccan's attacking moves. The Portuguese midfielder released Jerry Mawihmingthanga through the middle, but Shillong goalkeeper Ranit Sarkar read the situation perfectly, charging outside his penalty area to prevent the forward from reaching the ball.

Sreenidi Deccan came even closer moments later. Castanheira picked out David Castañeda, whose effort was pushed towards the base of the post by Sarkar before the ball struck the opposite post and stayed out. It was arguably the visitors' best opportunity of the opening period.

Despite enjoying the majority of possession, Shillong Lajong struggled to find the finishing touch. Kamaljit remained alert to crosses and set-piece deliveries, while his intervention late in the half prevented Damaitphang Lyngdoh from making proper contact with Sana's low delivery.

Both teams went into the interval with the scores level at 0-0.

Joedson breaks the deadlock after the restart

Shillong Lajong's persistence finally paid off five minutes into the second half.

A cleverly executed set-piece routine created the opening, with Ephraim Lalremtluanga delivering an excellent ball into the danger area. Joedson dos Santos timed his run perfectly, opened up his left foot and guided the ball beyond Kamaljit Singh to give the hosts a deserved 1-0 lead in the 51st minute.

The goal gave Shillong Lajong greater confidence, but Sreenidi Deccan responded by making attacking changes after the 65th minute. Head coach Antonio Rueda introduced Brandon Vanlalremdika, K. Abhijith and Nicolas Morinigo in an attempt to change the momentum.

The substitutions immediately improved the visitors' attacking threat. In the 72nd minute, right-back Jagdeep Singh delivered a looping cross from the right flank into the penalty area. Morinigo, who had just entered the contest, got the better of his marker Joedson and rose highest to direct a powerful header past substitute goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai.

The equaliser brought Sreenidi Deccan back into the contest and set up an intense final 20 minutes.

Lamurong delivers decisive moment

Sreenidi Deccan had an excellent opportunity to take the lead seven minutes after equalising, but a costly miss ultimately proved decisive.

Shillong Lajong goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai failed to gather a low cross cleanly, allowing the loose ball to fall to Adriano Castanheira near the edge of the six-yard box. However, the midfielder could not capitalise on the opportunity, sending his effort over the crossbar.

Shillong Lajong made the visitors pay for that miss in the 84th minute.

Substitute Tremiki Lamurong received possession on the right side of the penalty area and showcased excellent individual skill to create space. He used quick footwork to evade Brandon Vanlalremdika before unleashing a superb left-footed curling effort.

The shot beat a diving Kamaljit Singh and found the back of the net, restoring Shillong Lajong's advantage at 2-1 and sending the home supporters into celebration.

The late goal proved to be the decisive moment of the contest.

Sreenidi Deccan refused to give up and pushed forward in search of another equaliser during the closing stages. Captain David Castañeda appeared to have rescued a point for the visitors when he connected with a looping header in the final minutes of regulation time. However, Shillong Lajong captain Kenstar Kharshong produced a crucial goal-line clearance to preserve his team's advantage.

The visitors continued to apply pressure, but Shillong's defensive organisation held firm through the remaining minutes to secure an important home victory.

The result is a significant boost for Shillong Lajong's campaign, taking them to seven points from three matches and temporarily placing them at the summit of the Indian Football League standings.

For Sreenidi Deccan, the defeat will be disappointing, particularly after recovering from a goal down and creating an opportunity to take the lead before Lamurong's decisive strike.

Shillong Lajong will take considerable confidence from a performance that combined midfield control, effective set-piece execution and individual brilliance. With Joedson providing the breakthrough and Lamurong delivering the winning moment, the hosts produced the decisive contributions when it mattered most.